Sergio Perez walked away unharmed from a staggering crash on the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The 78-lap race was immediately red-flagged after Perez’s Red Bull hit the barrier as the field made its way up the hill from Sainte Devote.
The Red Bull was destroyed on impact with all but one of the Mexican’s four wheels ripping off his car.
A big impact moments after the start but all drivers are out of their cars - Perez, Magnussen and Hulkenberg#F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/X83ZC7U2J3
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 26, 2024
Perez, who started 16th, walked away from the high-speed crash with debris scattered across the street track.
The Mexican driver was sent into the wall after Kevin Magnussen’s front-left wheel made contract with the rear-right of Perez’s Red Bull.
Magnussen’s Haas team-mate was also taken out in the collision. “That was unnecessary,” said the German driver.
Magnussen, who is already on 10 penalty points and would face a ban if punished further, believed he should have been afforded more space by Perez.
“I just got pushed into the wall and made contact with him,” the Dane told Sky Sports F1.
“I trusted he was going to leave a space for me since I was there.
“You have to have a car width otherwise you leave the guy no option. It is unfortunate, a lot of cost for the team, a lot of work for the guys, and a missed opportunity today.
“I don’t know. It is something they will look at. It is a big crash. From my point of view, I was there and I got squeezed to the wall. I don’t know how they are going to look at it.”
By Philip Duncan, PA F1 Correspondent
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